No title bike

Have a line on a cheap Harley Ironhead. Problem is no title. Has anyone gotten a new title specifically in Florida that could explain the bonded title process?

Swap everything over to a frame with a Title?

I know that the lost title companies usually wind up providing a VT title.

Moto recycle is the name that comes up most often. I haven't used them yet, but I almost did last year for a vintage vespa barn find.... someone else came along and offered the full asking price while was researching the title issue.

I've heard that it's possible to get a VT title or registration without the help of the title companies, also its not pocket change to use them, so the end value of the bike needs to high enough to justify the cost.

VT only works to 250cc by mail over that you have to have the bike inspected, bonded etc. in VT. Just about every state has a way to deal with lost titles but many are so complicated or so red taped people assume its not possible or cheaper to use a service.

how goods the bike? how goods the deal?

It's a 79 Sportster Ironhead. It's rough looking from the picture but complete for $300. The bonded process here in Florida doesn't look too complicated but I don't know anyone who has actually done it.

It's older than 25 years.

Sell it to a buddy in Georgia for $10, have him title it with the bill of sale and then buy it back in Florida.

Done.

The Georgia thing has been proposed to me since I live near the State line.

People will suggest how it's done in other states but all that matters is how it's done in your state. SEMA has a website showing titling requirements for each state (it's for cars but motorcycles should follow the same procedures.) It's also worth going to your local DMV and asking them. http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA

One thing to think about is Harleys are probably stolen more than any other motorcycle, so make sure this one doesn't have any suspicious back story.

I've been offered a lot of "deals" involving no titles. To me, it's not worth the time, effort,and/or risk

If you do go further, have the Sheriff run the vin/serial to make sure it's not hot.

I always question the "lost title/keys" vehicles.